25pc of China-made toys ‘toxic’

Shenzhen, September 29, 2010

Twenty-five per cent of a survey sample of plastic toys manufactured in China and ready for shipment to Europe and the US were found to contain toxic levels of regulated chemicals, said a report.

They contained dangerous levels of phthalates, a group of chemicals found in plastics and which has been placed under stringent regulations in Europe and North America, said the report from AsiaInspection, a leading provider of quality control services for the manufacturing industry in Asia.

Phthalates are chemical compounds used primarily to enhance the flexibility and durability of plastics such as PVC.

In response to consumer health concerns, phthalates are being eliminated in toys in the European Union and the US. At high levels of exposure, the toxicological properties of phthalates present a risk of cancer and can lead to infertility, the report said.

Among the survey sample, a toy first aid kit was found to contain more than 130 times the allowable limit of DEHP, a regulated phthalate, according to the report.

“Results like these make it clear that toy importers buying from China and Asia need to be aware of the risks and take the necessary steps to ensure the products they manufacture or source are safe and free of potentially harmful substances,” said Sébastien Breteau, CEO, AsiaInspection.

“As our survey results show, laboratory testing for toxic chemicals continues to be essential to the production of safe toys - it is not acceptable that children continue to be at risk of phthalates intoxication,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service